For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
November 15, 2005
National Farm-City Week, 2005
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
Farming is America's first industry, and the success of America's
farmers and ranchers is crucial to the prosperity of our country.
During National Farm-City Week, we recognize the important relationship
between rural and urban industries that helps keep our farmers and our
Nation strong.
America's farmers and ranchers work hard, and they provide a healthy,
safe, and abundant food supply for our citizens and for countless
individuals abroad. In order to make their goods available to the
public, they depend on partnerships with processors, transporters,
marketers, distributors, and many others. These cooperative networks
make up America's robust agricultural industry and account for about
one-sixth of all jobs in the United States.
My Administration understands that our farm economy is a source of
strength for our Nation, and we remain committed to advancing policies
that will improve our country's agricultural industry. We have
successfully implemented the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of
2002, which significantly increased conservation funding and provided an
important safety net for our farmers. Earlier this year, I signed the
Central American-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement, which will
help ensure that free trade is fair trade and level the playing field
for American products exported to Central America. To continue to open
new markets for America's farmers and ranchers, we must also work for a
free and fair global trading system. Through the World Trade
Organization's Doha Round of trade negotiations, we are seeking to
reduce and eliminate tariffs and other barriers to U.S. agricultural
goods.
As we celebrate National Farm-City Week, we express appreciation for
those who make a living off the land. Their hard work and dedication to
maintaining strong networks between rural areas and urban communities
helps to feed, clothe, and provide energy for Americans and others
around the world.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 18 through
November 24, 2005, as National Farm-City Week. I encourage all
Americans to join in recognizing the great accomplishments of our
farmers and ranchers and the entrepreneurship and ingenuity of countless
others who produce America's agricultural goods.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of
November, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
thirtieth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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